Symphonic Monkey came about partially out of my love for music, so choosing the first song to highlight here was a real nail biter. Should it be something new? Something with particularly fab lyrics? Awesome bass line? Haunting vocals? The four right chords that make me cry?

Then it hit me. “Gone Going”. Why?
1. It’s from the Black Eyed Peas’ fourth album Monkey Business. Yes, I know “My Humps” was on that album as well, but let’s not begrudge them a paycheck. Incidentally, this cd has one of the most interesting liner notes inserts I’ve seen.
2. The brass and strings in the arrangement are so unexpected and yet so integral…love that symphonic flavor.
3. It is sheer aural perfection.

It stopped me in my tracks the first time I heard it – while shopping, no less. Kristopher and I were rooting through the treasures at a boutique in Silver Lake, a too-cool-for-school neighborhood in Los Angeles. I’d found the perfect pair of jeans – I mean seriously worthy of a rock god – but they were about five inches too long. FIVE INCHES! I’m 5’9″ for Bob’s sake! When did all the Amazons arrive? As I struggled to untangle myself from yards of denim in a dressing room that was getting smaller by the second, this song came on over the sound system. The flailing stopped immediately; savage beast soothed. Next stop, Amoeba Records on Sunset Blvd. Happiness!

will.i.am and Jack Johnson are two of my favorite artists, with dramatically different voices and writing styles. This song does a great job of featuring both without compromising the uniqueness of either. The juxtaposition of style and tone is delicious, the lyrics both entertaining and cautionary. Enjoy.

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Disclaimer: All songs are intended for sampling purposes only. If any artist or their representatives want a link taken down, simply email me. If you like the music, then support the artists by buying their music and going to their gigs.